Category: Sport News

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Paul Kpaka Breaks Silence with Biblical Message After Kallon’s Shock Leone Stars Exit

Less than 100 hours after the dismissal of Mohamed Kallon as head coach of Sierra Leone’s senior men’s national team, the Leone Stars, his assistant, Paul Augustine Kpaka, has publicly reacted, offering a cryptic yet poignant response that has stirred public debate.

Taking to his official Facebook page on Easter Monday, April 6, Kpaka, himself a former international striker, shared a biblical quotation from the Gospel of Mark: “A prophet is treated with honor everywhere except in his own hometown, among his relatives, and in his own house.”

Though brief, the message has been widely interpreted as a veiled commentary on the abrupt termination of Kallon’s tenure by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) on April 2. Kallon, who remains one of Sierra Leone’s most celebrated football figures, was relieved of his duties in an April 2, 2026, SLFA decision that has since triggered intense public reaction across the football community.

His dismissal has since dominated headlines and sparked widespread discourse about the direction of the national team. However, his former assistant coach,e Paul Augustine Kpaka’s post quickly gained traction online, with supporters and followers flooding the comment section.

Many viewed the statement as a show of solidarity with Kallon, interpreting it as a reflection on the perceived lack of appreciation for local football icons. Others expressed optimism, suggesting that both men could emerge stronger from the setback.

The fact that the timing of the Kpaka’s message coincided with Easter Monday, a period often associated with reflection and renewal, added further symbolic weight to his words. When contacted for comment, the SLFA’s media department had since declined to address the matter, stating only that they would not respond at this time.

Neither Kallon nor Kpaka has issued a detailed statement regarding the circumstances surrounding the sacking. However, the unfolding reactions underscore the emotional and cultural significance of football in Sierra Leone, where the fortunes of the national team remain closely tied to national pride.

As speculation continues over the future of the Leone Stars and the next steps for both Kallon and his former assistant, Kpaka’s carefully chosen words have ensured that the conversation remains far from over.

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson

First leg AFCON 2027 preliminary qualifying advantage for Eritrea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eritrean athletes abscond in South Africa after qualification for AFCON qualifiers

Since 2009, more than 60 Eritrean football players have fled during international matches, prompting the Eritrean Football Federation to withdraw from significant competitions like the World Cup and AFCON qualifiers.

A few days ago, seven more players from the national team reportedly disappeared in South Africa after making history by advancing to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying stage for the first time in 19 years.

The players’ decision not to return home after their match against Eswatini has overshadowed Eritrea’s achievement. Out of ten locally based players, only three—Ablelom Teklezgi, Nahom Tadese, and Romel Abdu—returned.

Often called “African North Korea,” Eritrea faces criticism for its human rights and political repression. The national football team’s struggles reflect the government’s fear of athletes seeking asylum abroad.

Since 2009, a trend of defection during international fixtures has caused many players to flee, leading the Eritrean Football Federation to avoid major competitions due to potential political fallout. Since 2019, Eritrea has not competed internationally, driven by concerns over player defection.

Alex Bangura scores in Middlesbrough's draw at Swansea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Alex Bangura scores in Middlesbrough’s draw at Swansea

Sierra Leone’s Alex Bangura was back on the score sheet as Middlesbrough missed the chance to climb back into the top spots of the Championship, drawing 2-2 at Swansea City in a match with three penalties.

Boro took an early lead with Alex Bangura’s goal, but then gave away a penalty, which Zan Vipotnik converted.

Vipotnik scored another penalty just before halftime, giving Swansea a 2-1 lead after Sol Brynn fouled Eom Jisung. Middlesbrough tied the game when Tommy Conway scored from the spot after Eom’s challenge on Callum Brittain.

The draw extends Boro’s winless run to five matches, placing them third, just behind Ipswich on goal difference, with Ipswich having two games in hand. Swansea, still winless in four, moved to 15th place.

Coach Kim Hellberg may feel frustrated as his team couldn’t secure a win. Middlesbrough has only two victories in its last nine games, putting Ipswich in a better position for promotion. Boro had chances to win but settled for a draw, with Brynn making key saves and Conway scoring their equaliser.

Kalidou Koulibaly could announce international retirement from the World Cup
by Football Sierra Leone

Kalidou Koulibaly could announce his international retirement from the World Cup

Kalidou Koulibaly has hinted that the upcoming 2026 World Cup might be the last opportunity for Senegal fans to see him wearing the national team colours.

The 34-year-old centre-back made his debut for the Lions of Teranga against Namibia on September 5, 2015, and since then, he has accumulated over 100 caps for his country, often serving as captain.

Koulibaly secured his place in Senegalese history when he led Aliou Cisse’s team to their first Africa Cup of Nations title in February 2022, and he celebrated a second victory this year.

However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently stripped Senegal of the trophy, declaring Morocco the champions after ruling that Pape Thiaw’s squad had forfeited the final match by leaving the field for 16 minutes.

As he gears up to captain the Lions of Teranga once again at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Koulibaly acknowledges it may be time to pass the torch to younger players after this tournament.

“I believe this will be my last World Cup; I can’t see myself playing when I’m 39,” he shared in an interview with the Senegalese website ‘Media Car’. “There are young talents eager to represent the national team, and they deserve their chance. We’ll see what unfolds after the World Cup.

“When the moment is right, we’ll hand over the baton. I haven’t completely made up my mind yet; I have a general idea, but we’ll just have to wait and see. I prefer not to dwell too much on the future, but it’s clear that I’m approaching the end of my journey.”

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone sack head coach Mohamed Kallon

The Sierra Leone Football Association has terminated the services of head coach Mohamed Kallon just over a year after his appointment, effective immediately.

According to the SLFA, this decision follows a resolution passed by its Executive Committee in the lawful exercise of its statutory and administrative mandate, leading to the immediate termination of Mohamed Kallon’s role as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team.

The former striker for Inter Milan and Monaco was appointed on February 12, 2025. His dismissal comes just after the FIFA international friendly against Azerbaijan on Monday, where the Leone Stars lost in a penalty shootout after the home team came from behind to win 9-8 on penalties.

Kallon’s tenure as head coach of the Sierra Leone national team marked his first significant coaching role. His primary objective was to guide the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup; however, they ultimately finished third, falling short behind Burkina Faso.

During the World Cup qualifiers, the Leone Stars had a mixed performance, achieving three wins, two losses, and one draw across six matches.

Before this, Kallon led his club, FC Kallon, in CAF competitions, but they faced elimination at the hands of Dreams FC from Ghana in September 2023.

KaLlon’s Background

Kallon became the youngest player to debut for the Leone Stars at just 15 years old in April 1995. He played in a qualifying match for the 1996 African Cup of Nations against Congo and scored the winning goal.

At 16, Kallon played at the 1996 African Nations Cup in South Africa. He scored one of the two goals that led Sierra Leone to a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso in their first group match.

Kallon has been an important member of the Leone Stars, participating in World Cup qualifying campaigns in 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010. His last game with the national team was on February 9, 2011, in a friendly against Nigeria.

Kallon was the team captain but resigned after the team failed to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 African Cup of Nations.